This publication contains preliminary information on the gross values of production for principal agricultural commodities produced for all states, territories and Australia for the year ended 30 June 2002. The final estimates will be released in September 2003.

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS

NATIONAL ESTIMATES

In 2001-02, the preliminary estimate of the gross value of agricultural commodities produced was a record $39.0 billion, an increase of 14% over the value of $34.2 billion recorded in 2000-01.

There were significant increases in the gross values of most cereal crops in 2001-02, as a result of higher prices and increases in estimated production.

Significant increases were also recorded in the gross values for cattle and calves, and sheep and lambs slaughterings and other disposals, with higher prices received by producers being partially offset by lower numbers of total disposals.

Increases were recorded in the gross values of both milk and wool production.

Crops

In 2001-02, the preliminary estimate of the gross value of crops increased by 12% to $20.8 billion. The most significant increase was in the gross value of wheat which rose by 22% to a record $6.3 billion, as a result of a 12% increase in estimated production due to improved yields in the major wheat producing states, coupled with an 8% increase in average price.Other major contributors to the increase in the gross value of crops were barley and sugar cane cut for crushing. The gross value of barley for 2001-02 increased by 29% to $1.7 billion, due primarily to a 25% increase in estimated production resulting from increased plantings spurred by price increases over recent years.

The gross value of sugar cane cut for crushing increased by 54% to $1.0 billion, as a result of a 33% increase in average price (following three years of disappointing returns for cane farmers), combined with a 16% increase in estimated production.

Increases were reported in the gross values of a number of other principal crops. These included canola, up by 26% to $689 million; apples, up by 34% to $378 million; grain sorghum, up by 33% to $369 million; lupins for grain, up by 40% to $303 million; and oats, up by 75% to $243 million.

Decreases in production were largely responsible for decreases in the gross values of cotton (down 7% to $1.2 billion), rice (down 19% to $283 million) and tomatoes (down 13% to $223 million).

Livestock slaughterings and other disposals

For 2001-02, the preliminary estimate of the gross value of livestock slaughterings and other disposals increased by 18% to $11.4 billion.The gross value of cattle and calves slaughterings and other disposals increased by 11% to $7.2 billion, a 16% increase in average prices being partially offset by a 4% decrease in total disposals.

Similarly, the gross value of sheep and lambs slaughterings and other disposals rose by 52% to $2.1 billion, with a 62% increase in average prices being partially offset by a 7% drop in total disposals.

The gross value of poultry slaughterings and other disposals rose by 9% to $1.2 billion, with moderate increases in both production and average prices. Pig slaughterings and other disposals increased in value by 18% to $968 million, also due to higher average prices and levels of production.

Livestock products

For 2001-02, the preliminary estimate of the gross value of livestock products rose by 14% to $6.8 billion. The gross value of milk increased by 20% to $3.7 billion, with a 12% increase in the average price of milk and a 7% increase in production.The gross value of wool increased by 6% to $2.7 billion, with a 17% increase in average price being partially offset by a 9% fall in wool production.

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